Learn more about Baseball Catchers Gear

Baseball Catchers Gear

Baseball is one of the ultimate group sports and requires each player to possess a certain position. Some of these positions are the basemen, outfielders, the pitcher, and, of course, the catcher. The catcher is one of the standout roles in baseball. He is responsible for receiving all the throws from the pitcher and is also seen by the opposing team as the main hindrance in getting a score.

Various parts of the gear

Since the catcher’s face is in the immediate trajectory of the pitcher’s throw, he needs to wear a full-face helmet to secure his head from serious, potentially fatal harm. The helmet is the most important item a catcher wears. These helmets secure the front and sides of the head, and can also be equipped with an additional throat protector. Baseball catcher’s helmets are similar to those worn by hockey goalies, with a steel mask to guard the face. A helmet should be snug but very comfortable, as the mask will need to be lifted and lowered throughout play.

Don’t skimp on a helmet, and make sure that the fit is good. No matter what the level of the pitcher, during the game the baseball will be flying quick and hard. If a catcher can’t intercept the ball in time or is fouled by the player, there is a serious risk of injury to the face without a quality helmet.

The gloves worn by catchers are larger than fielder’s gloves, oval-shaped, and have extra padding. It’s very important to buy a high-quality glove, as the additional cushioning can seriously minimize the impact of a fastball. Fastballs can sometimes have the velocity of over a hundred miles an hour.

Shin guards are employed to prevent strain, including scraped knees from crouching, and also accidents that might happen from players’ cleats as they attempt to slide into home base. Chest protectors are normally cushioned with thick foam and are outlined to secure the torso against hits by the ball. Make sure that the fit of the chest protector is exact—the top should come to the base of the neck and the bottom should hit just above the waist. A chest protector guards all the vital organs, such as the heart and stomach. For younger players, a groin cup is also worn under the catcher’s uniform to minimize the danger of harm should anything strike that region.

Other important gear that protects the players

There is also optional Baseball Catchers Gear to afford the body the highest level of protection. Knee guards ensure against ligament damage from repetitive strain, due to the catcher’s typical squatting position. Another item is an inner defensive glove, which is worn inside the mitt to help absorb the impact of the balls.

For new players, all of this gear might be cumbersome and uncomfortable at first. However, it’s extremely important for the catcher to wear all of this equipment every time to prevent disastrous accidents and injuries. It only takes one stray fastball to cause damage. Each player is an individual, so it’s important to buy gear that fits exactly right. Choose items that are higher-end so they will last several seasons. There are also other forms of padding that can be bought and worn for the torso, arms, and legs.

Baseball Catchers Gear can be bought in a local sports shop, a nearby retail chain, or on many specialized sporting goods sites online. Be careful when purchasing online to make sure that you are buying the right fit. Measure yourself or your child and go by those numbers. Don’t buy oversized gear with the idea that your child will grow into it; it’s very important for safety that each piece fits the catcher snugly and doesn’t allow any gaps. Comparison shop between the different brands and make sure to read reviews.

Baseball is known as the “great American pastime,” and with the right safety equipment you can have an enjoyable, challenging game every time. Use this guide to help you pick out the right gear for your player.